Finally, they returned by ship to Antioch of Syria, where their journey had begun. The believers there had entrusted them to the grace of God to do the work they had now completed.
Upon arriving in Antioch, they called the church together and reported everything God had done through them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles, too. And they stayed there with the believers for a long time.
Prayer: Lord Jesus – May I be found faithful by the grace of God to complete the work you have entrusted to me. And may I be willing to walk through the doors you open for me. Amen.
The following week almost the entire city turned out to hear them preach the word of the Lord. But when some of the Jews saw the crowds, they were jealous; so they slandered Paul and argued against whatever he said.
“Simeon’s Moment” Lithograph by Ron Dicianni
Then Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and declared, “It was necessary that we first preach the word of God to you Jews. But since you have rejected it and judged yourselves unworthy of eternal life, we will offer it to the Gentiles. For the Lord gave us this command when he said,
‘I have made you a light to the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the farthest corners of the earth.’”
When the Gentiles heard this, they were very glad and thanked the Lord for his message; and all who were chosen for eternal life became believers. So the Lord’s message spread throughout that region.
Then the Jews stirred up the influential religious women and the leaders of the city, and they incited a mob against Paul and Barnabas and ran them out of town. So they shook the dust from their feet as a sign of rejection and went to the town of Iconium. And the believers were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
Prayer: Lord Jesus – Make us bearers of your Light and Life to the farthest corners of the earth. Fill us with joy and the Holy Spirit… that hearing we might receive… that receiving we might be saved… and spread the Good News in our homes… and neighborhoods and workplaces. Strengthen believers throughout the world to be your faithful witnesses. Amen.
Spiritual Song:“Shine on us” – Michael W. Smith / Debbie Smith
Now Herod was very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon. So they sent a delegation to make peace with him because their cities were dependent upon Herod’s country for food. The delegates won the support of Blastus, Herod’s personal assistant, and an appointment with Herod was granted. When the day arrived, Herod put on his royal robes, sat on his throne, and made a speech to them. The people gave him a great ovation, shouting, “It’s the voice of a god, not of a man!”
Instantly, an angel of the Lord struck Herod with a sickness, because he accepted the people’s worship instead of giving the glory to God. So he was consumed with worms and died.
Meanwhile, the word of God continued to spread, and there were many new believers.
When Barnabas and Saul had finished their mission to Jerusalem, they returned, taking John Mark with them.
Prayer: Lord God – May I be a faithful witness – by Scripture alone, by faith alone, by grace alone, through Christ alone, to the glory of God alone. Amen.
Anthem:“Soli Deo Gloria” – Annie Moses Band
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Meanwhile, Peter traveled from place to place, and he came down to visit the believers in the town of Lydda.
There he met a man named Aeneas, who had been paralyzed and bedridden for eight years. Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you! Get up, and roll up your sleeping mat!” And he was healed instantly. Then the whole population of Lydda and Sharon saw Aeneas walking around, and they turned to the Lord.
There was a believer in Joppa named Tabitha (which in Greek is Dorcas ). She was always doing kind things for others and helping the poor. About this time she became ill and died. Her body was washed for burial and laid in an upstairs room.
But the believers had heard that Peter was nearby at Lydda, so they sent two men to beg him, “Please come as soon as possible!”
So Peter returned with them; and as soon as he arrived, they took him to the upstairs room. The room was filled with widows who were weeping and showing him the coats and other clothes Dorcas had made for them.
But Peter asked them all to leave the room; then he knelt and prayed. Turning to the body he said, “Get up, Tabitha.” And she opened her eyes! When she saw Peter, she sat up! He gave her his hand and helped her up. Then he called in the widows and all the believers, and he presented her to them alive.
The news spread through the whole town, and many believed in the Lord. And Peter stayed a long time in Joppa, living with Simon, a tanner of hides.
Prayer:Heavenly Father – In my fast paced, on-the-go life… help me to slow down to “smell the flowers” as it were. Give me an openness to the people and events taking place around me. Holy Spirit – Speak your word of wisdom or knowledge to me so that I can understand what you want me to do. Lord Jesus – Give life and healing to those who come to you through faith. Hear their cries of desperation and distress… and grant them the desires of their hearts. For your name’s sake, amen.
Spiritual Song:“Sing to Jesus” – Fernando Ortega
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Members of the Rutba House in Durham, N.C., gather for meals and morning and evening prayer.
All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper, and to prayer.
A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity — all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.
Prayer:Heavenly Father – Make me a believer who is devoted to learning… to breaking bread with others… and to prayer. Holy Spirit – Give me a spirit of joy and generosity… freely sharing with those in need. Lord Jesus – May my life and witness bring honor to you… and may you add to your number those who are being saved. Amen.
The Peanut Gallery 